Sunday, December 27, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Friday, December 4, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
Friday, July 10, 2015
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Boehner: Little progress at VA year after Shinseki departure
Boehner: Little progress at VA year after Shinseki departure: House Speaker John Boehner says the Department of Veterans Affairs is no better off a year after former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Friday, May 1, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
My Slideshow
Volunteer or Donate
Thank you for wanting to learn more about how you can serve those who served through our VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.Perhaps you are interested in joining our ‘care force’ of 1,000 registered volunteers, or would like to sponsor or otherwise participate in a particular service project? Or perhaps you are interested in learning more about how you can help through your donations of money and other needed items that will benefit our Veteran patients and their families?
Whatever the reason, we’re excited that you are here, and look forward to meeting you soon.
Individual Volunteers
Under 18 years old? Check it out: Summer Youth Volunteer ProgramAdults: Please review our Individual Volunteer Assignment Opportunities
- Normally involve a fixed or rotating schedule
- Mostly occur on weekdays
- Require a minimum 6 month and 100 hour commitment
- Require a complete background check needed for VA identification badge
Did you see an assignment that seems like a good fit for you? We welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss your interests, talents and how best to share them as a VA Puget Sound volunteer. I’m ready – Sign Me Up
Service Projects and Special Events
VA Puget Sound welcomes groups who wish to help with a special service project or patient visitation activity. You can also join us for one or more of our special event celebrations, such as Veterans Day or the National Salute to Veteran Patients. Please review how you can participate in this manner. Service Projects and Special EventsDonation Opportunities
Voluntary Service gladly accepts donations to benefit our Veteran patients and their families. There are many opportunities to give, big or small. Know that each donation makes a significant and lasting difference.Saturday, March 14, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Veterans to be honored on 70th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima
Veterans to be honored on 70th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima: Young cadets at the Marine Military Academy will march in a parade today to honor the thousands of lives lost in the battle of Iwo Jima.
PREVIEW: Victims of the Veterans Administration
PREVIEW: Victims of the Veterans Administration
American
veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than as
heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care
American
veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than as
heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH
The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH
American veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than
as heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care
American veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than
as heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
President Obama signs law aimed at assisting veterans - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports
President Obama signs law aimed at assisting veterans - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports
Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.
Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
In a blow to al-Qaida fight, CIA pulls back in Yemen - Middle East - Stripes
In a blow to al-Qaida fight, CIA pulls back in Yemen - Middle East - Stripes
Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.
Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Augusta whistleblowers have mixed feelings about new Veterans Affairs bill | The Augusta Chronicle
Augusta whistleblowers have mixed feelings about new Veterans Affairs bill | The Augusta Chronicle
PLAINS TWP. — For the past 38 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Voluntary Service
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
The ceremony featured Suzanne Hall singing the national anthem and “Let
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
Hood retired from the Army after 22 years in service and holds numerous
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
“The National Salute of Veteran Patients program is a wonderful tribute
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
Hood spoke of an article he read that talked about an increasing
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
“That connection between soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
According to this article, Hood said, at the end of World War II,
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
“We have been at war nonstop for the last 13 years, but today only
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
In honor of the local veterans, the Hazleton Elks Lodge 200 donated $1,000 to the hospital during the ceremony.
John A. Brogna, a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, has volunteered at
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
“I know how important it is to have someone around,” Brogna said. “It
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
Deb Schlosser, the VA hospital’s voluntary service specialist, said
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
“Veterans have given up so much for our country, so it’s always good to
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
Throughout his speech, Hood explained the many lessons veterans are
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
“The men and women served by this hospital have so much to share with
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
Other events planned this week for the VA hospital’s patients include a
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.
Veteran Paul Franklin tired of government making him prove he lost his legs | CTV News
Veteran Paul Franklin tired of government making him prove he lost his legs | CTV News
PLAINS TWP. — For the past 38 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Voluntary Service
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
The ceremony featured Suzanne Hall singing the national anthem and “Let
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
Hood retired from the Army after 22 years in service and holds numerous
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
“The National Salute of Veteran Patients program is a wonderful tribute
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
Hood spoke of an article he read that talked about an increasing
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
“That connection between soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
According to this article, Hood said, at the end of World War II,
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
“We have been at war nonstop for the last 13 years, but today only
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
In honor of the local veterans, the Hazleton Elks Lodge 200 donated $1,000 to the hospital during the ceremony.
John A. Brogna, a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, has volunteered at
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
“I know how important it is to have someone around,” Brogna said. “It
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
Deb Schlosser, the VA hospital’s voluntary service specialist, said
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
“Veterans have given up so much for our country, so it’s always good to
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
Throughout his speech, Hood explained the many lessons veterans are
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
“The men and women served by this hospital have so much to share with
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
Other events planned this week for the VA hospital’s patients include a
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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